1970 SWB Lowering etc

[dagnabbitt]

I might actually be able to do this, this winter. Looking for thoughts on what kits to go with, though. I used ECE for my 81 SWB lowering, then they closed up shortly after that... I know that they have "joined Holley" but not sure if their products are available right now or not.

Truck is a stock height 1970 SWB Stepside with coils in the rear: I want to lower it 5/7 or thereabouts and while I am at it I might as well convert to discs in the front, and 5 lug too. The reason why I have held off so long is because of the "well as long as you are doing that you should..." factor of modifying these three things all at once.

In the rear I have yet to determine whether I have early or late '70 axle shafts, but I am not too worried about that.

So, checking to see who has done what to get this effect and what they bought to do it. I realize that this is a subject that is in other threads but we know that there are lots of changes and innovations and I am interested in what people did and would recommend not doing.

Pictured is my 81's stance which I love next to future low-70.

[BIG ORANGE]

I'm pretty sure ECE went out of business,, but they did carry great suspension parts, I've bought parts from Mark over 20years....
Good luck with your lowering, I kinda need a new source myself for those items.

[Mike C]

2" spring combined with the 2 1/2" spindle is best static setup in the front IMO for driveability and ability to still align it. 7" in back probably means a notch. I would do 4 1/2"/6" with springs/spindles in front and springs in the rear. Leaving a 1" block option to drop the back a little more.

I have 4 1/2"/7' on my '69 with leaf spring flip. It hits the shorty bumps in the back sometimes but all in all is pretty decent without the notch.

[gmc684x4]

I am looking at springs from Gmcpauls 1 inch front 4 rear springs
Use western chasis drop spindles

My understanding western chassis where the drop spindles in ece kits
And Gmcpauls are probably the same springs

[panhead59]

I agree with "MikeC". Go with that 4 1/2-6" set up if you don't want to notch. Remember clearances for headers/exhaust gets dicey lower than 4-6 drop. I have this set up on a 68 with no issues. I did front disc brake upgrade and used Yucon axles in back. I am not happy with diverter valve on new booster/master cyl. Rear drums lock up too early. I think summit sells an adjustable one. I'm gonna try that. Love the front dics though
Highly recommend that upgrade.

[dagnabbitt]

Originally Posted by gmc684x4

I am looking at springs from Gmcpauls 1 inch front 4 rear springs
Use western chasis drop spindles

My understanding western chassis where the drop spindles in ece kits
And Gmcpauls are probably the same springs

Thanks! I was wondering if Western was good quality or not.

As a general question to everyone I was wondering if there was one kit that would achieve the drop, swap to discs, and swap to 5 lug, or if it is best to a la carte various parts.

My above 81 has ECE 2.5 inch spindles and 2 inch springs on the front with a BellTech flip kit in the back. Initially the rear was actually a half or full inch lower than the front and it really bugged me for a while: I blamed it on my mixing ECE and BellTech components. When my alignment guy assured me that the front would drop a bit as I drove it - spring sag, settle - I didn't believe him.

Of course he was right and after a few thousand miles I now have the stance I wanted. It is true what they say: lowering is addictive and I really want to do the same for the 70, thanks for all suggestions.

[cj847]

Originally Posted by dagnabbitt

Thanks! I was wondering if Western was good quality or not.

As a general question to everyone I was wondering if there was one kit that would achieve the drop, swap to discs, and swap to 5 lug, or if it is best to a la carte various parts.

My above 81 has ECE 2.5 inch spindles and 2 inch springs on the front with a BellTech flip kit in the back. Initially the rear was actually a half or full inch lower than the front and it really bugged me for a while: I blamed it on my mixing ECE and BellTech components. When my alignment guy assured me that the front would drop a bit as I drove it - spring sag, settle - I didn't believe him.

Of course he was right and after a few thousand miles I now have the stance I wanted. It is true what they say: lowering is addictive and I really want to do the same for the 70, thanks for all suggestions.

Have you considered just bolting 1981 front end parts on the truck? If your current parts are worn out it would be a good option.

[gmc684x4]

Western is one of the first to make drop spindles for our trucks